Best Tent Camping near Pierre, SD
Looking for tent camping near Pierre? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Pierre with tent camping. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Pierre's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Pierre, South Dakota (2)
Recent Tent Reviews near Pierre, South Dakota
123 Reviews of 2 Pierre Campgrounds
Hayley K.
Legend
Griffin Park
Easy stop over spot in Pierre
We happened upon this while up for a wedding in Pierre. It is a free campground! There are RV and tent sites, a dump station, water fill up, bathrooms, and even a park. The tent sites are right on the river and there is even a beach that you can hang out at. You are right on the Lewis and Clark Trail for riding.
The tent sites are pretty secluded for it being a city park. It was a little noisy at night but it was perfect for waking up in the morning and watching the clouds flow over the river with a cup of coffee in hand.
Leni K.
Ranger
Left Tailrace - Lake Sharpe
Cozy Tent Camping on the Water
30 minutes off 90 along the Missouri river. Situated on a tiny peninsula is the campsite. We opted to camp in an electric site with our tent to be closer to the water since we were in for just one night. With double sites it's pretty tight, however everyone was super quiet while there and we were lucky to have another tent on our double pad. At check-in we were given hand sanitizers, which was nice. Bathrooms were centrally located in the campsite. Tent sites were past the park and playground, did not see where bathrooms were on that end. Definitely would camp here again.
- Shannon G.Legend
Campground 3 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
My favorite campground
This is one of my favorite campgrounds. The best spots are 194-196. They are back in sites and we have a large window on the back of our camper and get to look at the beautiful river. Great bird watching and lots of bald eagles. The sites are electric only but you can fill water before you come in. Sites are spacious with gravel. There is a picnic bench and fire ring at each site. This campground offers 8 cabins and tent sites also. The grounds and restrooms are kept up well. We came in September so there was hardly anyone around. Very peaceful
Bret S.
Guide
River View RV Park
The best Ft Pierre has to offer - and great views
We spent two weeks here visiting family. Absolutely fantastic views of Ft Pierre and Pierre, and the Missouri River Valley. We are several hundred feet above the river, so it stays windy. It seems to always be hot in Pierre. The whole park is new in 2018, 50 amp water and sewer in all sites. Incredibly helpful, friendly, family owned park. They keep everything 100% clean. Laundry room on site and nice showers (coin operated) if needed. Tenting on site in a nice grassy area. Community campfire area, they provide the wood. It’s all gravel, but it’s a very clean, low dust gravel even after no rain for a week. Sites 15, 16, 17 are right up against the bluff with the best views. Stargazing has been great.
Just upriver is the Oahe Downstream Rec Area, a great place to swim and fish, or go off-leash with the dog on the T-Jetty. Check out the Verendrye monument just down the road, it’s a surprising bit of history from 400 years ago!
- CCarly
Traveler
New Frontier RV Campground
Great Campground!
We stopped here on our way across South Dakota, and it was the perfect place. It’s right off the interstate and is extremely well-managed and clean. They have lots of yard space to walk dogs along their property, and the staff was incredibly nice and helpful throughout our stay!
- EEv R.
Scout
West Bend Recreation Area
Clean, quiet, well-maintained
Super helpful and friendly staff, clean bathrooms, well-maintained sites. Gorgeous views of the Missouri River. The only negative was the amazing number of flies. It was hard to cook with the flies diving into our pots and pans and biting us. It was my first trip to South Dakota. Maybe flies are a thing there??
- Aaron L.Guide
Kennebec KOA
Clean, Friendly , No frills
Very nice site with clean bathrooms and showers. Some sites have shade. Well maintained and the owners are very friendly. Convenient location and just a short drive from the highway. Some road noise but not bad at all. The wind was very slack the day we stayed so the mosquitoes were out at night. Would 100% stay again if traveling thru South Dakota.
- TTammy A.Traveler
Cow Creek State Rec Area
Great water recreation spot
This was our first stop on our way thru South Dakota. Not a lot of shade at spots. Few trees and little to no privacy but good spacing of sites. The bathrooms are updated, clean and well maintained. This is an ideal campground for those with a boat for fishing or playing on Lake Oahe (which was beautiful by the way). Be out on the water all day and then relax at the campground at night.
Marc G.Guide
Fischers Lilly Park
Five stars and dirt cheap
The full name of this place is Fischers Lilly Park, operated by the city of Fort Pierre. To correct the previous review, these sites are water/electric (20/30/50A) only, although there is a free dump station on site. These sites are right on the river, and contrary to the previous reviewer we found some of them near the entrance to be exceedingly spacious, including ours #12. There are 12 sites total, and ours was immaculate. Cell signal on Verizon was a solid 3 bars.
The location right on the banks of the Missouri River can't be beat, and it's the perfect location for exploring all that the Pierre area has to offer: the state capitol complex, the museums, even walleye fishing in the river or nearby Lake Oahe. We spent Memorial Day weekend here and loved it -- my wife was wishing that we could stay longer. Even on the holiday weekend the campground was wonderfully quiet and serene.
Many thanks to the City of Fort Pierre for making this location available.
- SSam C.Guide
Kennebec KOA
Great stay along the way
This KOA in Kennebec has been a good stop over for us when traveling through South Dakota. Kennebec is a sleepy town off of I-90, and this KOA seems to be the life of the town.
The staff has been welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. The facilities seem well cared for and clean. For our stays we have just been passing through and have opted for pull-thru sites with full-hook ups to keep it easy and we have never had to disconnect from our TT to get level for the night.
This KOA will probably not a destination for us, but it is a great stay along the way.
We already have a trip planned for next year across I-90 and Kennebec is on the itinerary.
- AAnthony B.Guide
River View RV Park
Hard to beat
This campground sits on a hight overlooking Pierre, the capital, and the Missouri river. Beautiful at night. Campsites are close together with full hookups. Many amenities are offered on site such as horse shoes, Egg grills, mice playground dog walk, showers, laundry, and cable TV in the clubhouse
- GGary S.Scout
River View RV Park
Fantastic View, Great staff
Lila is an amazing host. She called before we arrived and then texted detailed directions. On arrival we were quickly checked in, given a bag and told to fill up with candy from a wide selection. Halloween! Then we got to our site which has a wonderful view over the Missouri River and the city of Pierre.
Art S.LegendFischers Lilly Park
Riverside camping near town
At the meeting of the Missouri River and the Bad River a small campground is found. Sites are close together and in the sun but there are full hookups. A spacious park is next door. The bike path leads into historic Fort Pierre and beyond. Museums await you as you explore Lewis and Clark’s stopover. This is an ok place to camp but being near town and the beautiful river and bike path make this a nice possibility.
- NN I.Legend
West Bend Recreation Area
Peace on the Lake
- Reservations 800-710-2267 or westbend@state.sd.us
- GPS 44.17075 -99.72102
- Sites 120 campsites 4 camping cabins
- Fees Daily $8.00 entrance Annual $36.00 entrance
- $23.00 electrical campsites (50 avail)
- $19.00 non electrical
- Open year round Between Oct 1– Apr 30 water systems may be shut down Boat ramp
Camping Electric Drinking water Showers Flush toilets Pit toilets Picnic shelter Picnic table Grill Swim beach Playground Dump station Fish cleaning station Telephone Camp host Birding Fishing Pull thru Firewood Biking
This campground is mainly used by hunters in the fall. Sites are mostly for small RV’s, trailers, or tents. The park has a lot of mature trees which causes problems with overhanging limbs in the road. One side of the park has younger trees and it is easier for larger rigs to maneuver and there is more of an open feeling. Pads are fairly level. Bathrooms and even the pit toilets are very clean and did not smell, even had hand sanitizer.
Site was well maintained. There are several water sites for great views. There are hiking trails in the park. Camp is set amid the rolling hills showcasing the beautiful crops and ranches of SD.
35 miles southeast of Pierre off SD Highway 34. Nearest town is Harrold, SD
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe Happy travels
- PPeggy S.Traveler
Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
Friendly & Clean Campground
We love going to Oahe Downstream Campground every year. We have camped in both Campgrounds. Campground # 2 is closer to the river so it feels much cooler than Campground 1. Lots of things to enjoy if you have kids or even Teens. They have a 18 hole Disc Golf coarse . Bring your bikes because you can ride to the trailrace area or around the campgrounds. There are other biking & hiking areas with in the area and Pierre Sd. You can go kayak or visit the beautiful Butterfly garden. If you love to camp in the fall this is the place beautiful foliage and always quiet.
- CClaude K.Traveler
Richland reservoir dispersed camping
Note of caution
We actually never made it to the site. There was a big thunderstorm about an hour before we left the main road to this site. When we turned on to the road leading to this place we got stuck on the road. It seems that the road is clay and when it gets wet it becomes very difficult to travel on. Although the road is flat and level our Ram Van with all-terrain tires got stuck. After 3 hours of placing sticks and other things under our tires we managed to get out. Spent the night in a nice free park in Pierre.
- NN I.Legend
Campground 3 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
Beautiful
Reservations: 800-710-2267 or oahe@state.sd.us
Fee: Daily $8.00 Annual $36.00 Purchase on line
Campsites Electrical $23.00 (30-50)
Camping cabins $55.00
Modern cabins $120.00 - $150.00
Group lodge $125.00
This campground is open year round but the campgrounds are close to camping November 15 through the last Friday in March. Bald eagles are winter roosting and can be easily disturbed.
Disc golf archery biking birding boating fishing gocatching horseshoes lawn games swimming with sand beach
Campground is well maintained, pads are pull through level with mature trees. Nice showers and toilets. This is a beautiful wooded site that can handle large RV's including pull throughs and double sites.
Directions: 5 miles north of Fort Pierre on highway 180 located on the south side of dam.
Patrick N.GuideRichland reservoir dispersed camping
Two beautiful spots for boondocking
Richland Reservoir has a vaulted toilet, lots of wildlife, and quiet. It was windy for my stay so be prepared for that. So far no rattlesnakes or ticks or chiggers but there was a bald eagle hunting the reservoir. For spring, blinds are reservable at the ranger station to view the prairie chickens and grouse doing their mating rituals. I used a cell booster with a 20ft antenna to get cell service. Your mileage may vary. You can find water and a dump station at Fischers Lilly Park in Pierre to the north. If this site is to crowded Google Sheriff's Dam which is just down the road. Google gets you pretty close. That is another lovely site, but has no vaulted toilet.
- Mary D.Guide
River View RV Park
Amazing views!
A new campground that sits on a hill overlooking the Missouri River and Pierre, SD. Beautiful views and there are benches placed around the campground to enjoy them. Level sites with full hookups. Large, spotlessly clean bathrooms. Helpful and friendly owners. Wish we were staying more than one night.
Only two washers and two dryers for laundry but they are in the nice, air-conditioned lobby area. Has a table for games or visiting and a collection of books and games to use. Snack machines if you get hungry.
Playground, basketball goal, sand volleyball for the kids.
Showers are pay showers, but I don’t mind paying a dollar or two for a clean, spacious shower. Partial gravel road to get to the campground but it was in good shape. This is a good one!
Amy G.LegendFischers Lilly Park
Lovely little gem if simple sounds perfect!
We were traveling with a teardrop and just needed a place to drop for the night between point A and point B. Pierre (actually pronounced PIER) was a great spot with a great view and great prices!
We normally love primitive, but in the off season when it's a bit on the chilly side, we love an electric hookup for a bit of heat. This location was perfect! Not only was there only one other camper there in an RV, but it was along the river, had a very artsy fire pit and also had electric - for the grand cost of only $15!
There is a self pay station (so having cash is a grand plan). The spots aren't super private and don't have much space between them, but if you only need to sleep, it's ideal. And again, we were there in April, so with cooler weather, we almost had it to ourselves.
The highlight - a pack of coyotes where making their way through the cattails (right off the campsite) and sounded their cry.
- DDebTraveler
North Shore Recreation Area Army COE Campground
North Shore CG
This is a beautiful spot. Unfortunately some people are disrespectful- broken glass, burnt firecrackers etc, destroyed firepit. Then of course there are the nasty biting flies. Bug spray helped some. I put up the clam screen tent to be rid of the flies. At night there seems to be a lot of road traffic to the popup tent camper a few spots down from me. All in all, it Is peaceful during the day and scenic.
- KKaren S.Scout
Okobojo Point Recreation Area
Private, clean, beautiful!
We loved this campground!! It'd be great for tent or RV camping. The sites are really spread out and the facilities are super clean. Almost every site had its own bathroom too. Pretty views of the river from almost all sites!
- PPat N.Guide
Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
Beautiful sites
110-30-50 amp hookups plenty of space between sites. Bathrooms with showers. Playgrounds located throughout the campgrounds. Along the Missouri river. Some sites back into river view. But not a long walk to the beach area. About 10 cabins right on the river. Tent/RV/Cabin camping you will enjoy yourself
- AAshleyGuide
Byre Lake Recreation Area
Overnight haven
Stayed one overnight in a rooftop tent while passing through. Only a few other campers there on a Saturday evening. Pit toilet. Pay for electric hookup. For the most part it was peaceful, except for one truck that came through around midnight revving it’s engine and honking the horn. Startled me out of my sleep but otherwise, felt safe at this camping area. Added plus that it was a close drive to Badlands NP.
- EElaine S.Scout
New Frontier RV Campground
Great stopover
We luckily found this place in Presho, SD. The host was a friendly lady named Gwen and the campground was neat and clean. It was an easy stop off I-90. Every site is a gravel pull through with full hookups and trash containers are close to every sight. They also offer free popcorn and coffee. I saw a nice swing set, slide, and basketball goal. Also they have cabins, a restroom, and tent area. Good Sam discount… around $46 for 2 adults and 2 dachshunds. Would stay here again.
- SShelby R.Traveler
Kennebec KOA
middle of nowhere gem with friendly hosts
I love the Kennebec KOA! I stayed here for the first time last October on my way to the Badlands. It was my first KOA experience and it was wonderful! because I got there late, I stayed in the one-room simple cabins instead of pitching my tent. Those things are rad! The bathrooms are clean and the general store has good stuff. The camp hosts are really friendly and welcoming. I stayed here again in July (again on my way to the Badlands) and will always stay here if I’m close to Kennebec on a road trip.
Randall K.Ranger
Byre Lake Recreation Area
Hidden Gem!
This place is about as perfect as it gets! Free camping - dispersed so pull up where you want. Or choose a spot with a fire ring and table.
Views are OUTSTANDING! You can fish, kayak, hike, etc. Right off highway but very quiet and peaceful. Slept great.
They do have toilets (I didn't use them) and they do have a couple electric spots that are $20/night (I didn't use them).
Just super easy, super beautiful and a great place to call home for a night or a few.
Lots of mozzies at night - so use spray or plan to be in your tent/vehicle once the sun goes down.
Guide to Pierre
Tent camping near Pierre, South Dakota, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the great outdoors. With several options available, campers can find suitable spots that cater to their needs.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy the serene environment at Spring Creek Recreation Area, perfect for those looking to relax and connect with nature.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20
- Affordable camping can be found at Midland Rest Area, where you can set up your tent without breaking the bank.
Specific local attractions
- Explore the amenities at Gettysburg City Park, which offers convenient features like sanitary dump stations and big rig-friendly access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pierre, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pierre, SD is Midland Rest Area with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
Keep Exploring